Switzerland
Switzerland visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Switzerland (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) as of 2026. From 2026, you must also hold an approved ETIAS travel authorisation before flying. Check passport validity and entry rules before you book.
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GuideSwitzerland
Key facts
- Visa needed for short stay
- No, for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
- Maximum stay without visa
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- ETIAS required
- Yes, from 2026 for visa-exempt nationals
- Passport validity
- Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF)
Quick answer
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens can visit Switzerland visa‑free for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. From 2026 an approved ETIAS travel authorisation is also required.
Visa requirements by passport
All six nationalities are visa‑exempt for short stays in Switzerland. The table below summarises the rules for each passport as of 2026.
| Passport | Visa needed | Max stay | ETIAS needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
| UK | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
| Canada | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
| Australia | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
| New Zealand | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
| Ireland | No | 90 days / 180 | Yes (from 2026) |
All rules are as of 2026 and subject to change; always check official sources before travel.
How to enter Switzerland
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. Apply for an ETIAS authorisation online at least a few days before travel; the process is quick and the fee is modest.
At the border you will be asked for your passport, ETIAS approval and proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days, but the 90‑day limit applies across all Schengen states combined.
Important notes
The 90‑day allowance is cumulative across the entire Schengen zone, not per country.
Work, study or stays longer than 90 days require a national visa or residence permit from a Swiss embassy.
If your passport expires within three months of your planned departure, you must renew it before travel.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Switzerland?
No. All six nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays in Switzerland (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) as of 2026. You do need an ETIAS authorisation from 2026.
How long can I stay in Switzerland without a visa?
You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This limit applies across all Schengen countries combined, so count days spent elsewhere in the Schengen area.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Switzerland?
Yes, from 2026. ETIAS is required for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen area, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens. Apply online before travel.
What if my passport expires soon?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. Renew it before booking if it is close to expiring.
Can I work in Switzerland without a visa?
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and short visits only. For work, study or stays over 90 days, you need a national visa or permit from a Swiss embassy.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Switzerland travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Switzerland
- officialGovernment of Canada – Switzerland travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller Switzerland
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Switzerland
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Switzerland
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Switzerland travel advice
- officialUK Foreign Travel Advice – Switzerland
- officialGovernment of Canada – Switzerland travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller Switzerland
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Switzerland
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Switzerland
Ask about Switzerland
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